Vacation scams: What you need to know

Learn to spot the scam
There are a variety of scams currently making the rounds via email, faxes, postcards, mail and phone calls. Many of the offers look professional and sound real, so it's often hard to pick out the deceptions. These situations should raise a "red flag":

• The offer is unsolicited (i.e. you didn't sign up for promotions or don't know the company).
• The offer seems too good to be true (beware of anything "free").
• You are "specially selected" to receive an offer or you won a contest you didn't enter – especially if you have to pay to receive the prize.
• An unknown caller or unsecured website requires your credit card number (before you can see the details in writing).
• You have to pay for the vacation more than 60-days before you leave. (Most credit card companies have a 60-day limit to dispute a charge).
• The salesperson uses high pressure tactics, such as forcing you to book immediately in order to take advantage of a discount.
• You're invited to become a travel agent to receive discounts and free offers.

Travel discount clubs, vacation certificates and time shares are also suspect. You can even find fraudulent companies through internet ads and professional-looking websites when doing your pre-trip research. Ignoring the offers is usually the best course of action.

While not every offer you receive is fraudulent, it doesn't hurt to exercise some healthy skepticism. If the deal is tempting, and you think the company is legitimate, there are ways to protect yourself if you proceed.